August 09, 2021
On August 09, 2021, we were joined by Mr. Farrell Hirsch, Chief Executive Officer of the Muckenthaler Cultural Center, in Fullerton, California. He is a member of the Rotary Club of Fullerton.
Farrell Hirsch originated from New York and started writing scripts for situation comedies. He became frustrated due to the process in which nothing he would write would get on the air. He began writing plays and had better success with his own work being seen by the public. After some success with this, he began working as a producer for the Tony and Ovation Awards shows.
He then joined Satellite Radio when it was first getting underway, branching out into XM Radio which became Siris XM of which he became Vice President from 2002 – 2017. He launched networks, created new programming, eventually producing Playboy Radio.
Farrell retired from this profession before a headhunter reached out to him about the Muckenthaler Cultural Center. Never having worked in the non-profit sector before, he gave it a try… and the rest is history.
That was over four years ago. Since then, he has completed numerous improvements to the “Muck”, including top line acts, an entire new stage lighting and sound equipment installation, and better pants.
The COVID-19 pandemic has hit the Muck, as all arts organizations and numerous other businesses, very hard. Instead of shuttering the business, he instigated the Drive-in Concert series. Over the course of 6 months in 2020, the Muck hosted no less than 17 concerts that provided work to 200+ musicians and entertainers which was enjoyed by thousands of patrons from the socially distant safety of their own cars. Not only was it the only concerts still going in town, it was also the ONLY venue in the state still carrying out concerts.
Also instigated during the pandemic was the installation of various artistic sculptures throughout the vast 8-acre grounds. These pieces of art could be enjoyed outside by patrons who couldn’t be in a gallery.
It has been quite a ride so far and should be amazing to see what the next season brings!
Thank you, Farrell for joining us!
For more information on the programs and events at the Muck, please visit their web page.
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